Resignations by the JCP, which repeatedly failed to secure a vote of no-confidence against Zeidan, complicate efforts to overcome deadlock in the General National Congress (GNC) and stabilize Libya two years after the fall of Moammar Gaddafi.

“Zeidan failed in his duty to provide security, and to deliver in the electricity and oil sectors,” Nizar Kawan, a leading JCP member, said in a statement. “We had asked for a withdrawal of confidence, but some don’t understand the danger of the stage we are at now.”

The party has five ministers in Libya’s interim administration -- those for oil, electricity, housing, economy and sport.

Islamists were predominant among 99 MPs who signed a petition of protest earlier in the day, accusing Zeidan of a “crushing failure” in efforts to restore security two and a half years after the overthrow of veteran dictator Gaddafi.